Cuban composer, violinist and vocalist Yilian Cañizares has a superb new album titled Erzulie. The new recording showcases her talent as a composer and musician, revealing a captivating mix of musical influences: Afro-Cuban rhythms and chants, delectable poetic and passionate trova and neosoul songs in Spanish, dazzling violin-fueled jazz-rock that would make Jean-Luc Ponty proud, and funk jazz.
Yilian talked to Angel Romero about her career and new album.
What are your fondest musical memories?
The truth is that I have many. The first time I went up on stage to sing as a girl in Cuba (with the group Los Meñiques). I will never forget the feeling I had being on stage. Also my collaborations with Chucho Valdés and Omar Sosa; they are two artists that I love and admire very much. The first time I received a Standing Ovation (it was at a concert in Paris and I almost started crying in front of the public). And many other memories that are always linked to the love and affection that I receive from the public anywhere in the world.
What was the first song or melody you learned?
That I remember, was a children’s melody by Maria Alvarez Rios, the director of the group Los Meñiques. The song is called Que azul es el cielo… and I loved singing it!
What do you consider to be the essential elements of your music?
My Cuban roots, classical music, improvisation, rhythm … but above all love, because love is the engine of my music.
How did your musical ideas evolve over the years from your first album Ochumare to your most recent recordings, Agua and Erzulie?
I feel that each album is like a small portrait of a moment in my life. In the time that has passed between Ochumare and Erzulie I have grown a lot as a person and as a musician. I have been shedding many fears and I have learned to be more consistent with myself. That inner work continues because I feel that it is what will lead me to continue growing on a personal level and on a musical level as well. My musical ideas have been evolving, gaining in expressive power and disposing of everything that is not necessary. In the end, less is more!
Tell us about your new album, Erzulie.
It is a beautiful album that tells the history of Africa through its Creole children: Haiti, Cuba and New Orleans. It is a music that has a lot of strength and a lot of sincerity because it comes from a legacy that has not died despite everything we have historically gone through. In this album I talk about very personal themes such as what it means to be a woman today, freedom, immigration and of course love. Topics that are important to me. Erzulie’s message is a message of tolerance, of love … a message that I feel the world needs now more than ever.
Who plays at Erzulie? Who are the musicians you are currently working with?
I have named the group that plays on Erzulie, Yilian Cañizares & The Maroons … it is a small tribute to the liberation movements that began in Haiti and spread throughout America and the Caribbean. They are musicians who represent this African heritage I mentioned and the spirit of freedom. Exceptional musicians and beautiful human beings that I consider as my family: Childo Tomas on bass from Mozambique, Paul Beaubrun from Haiti on guitar and vocals, Inor Sotolongo from Cuba on percussion and Mark Gilmore from Brooklyn on drums.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you in terms of work and livelihood?
As is the case for all musicians, my concerts have been canceled. I had many planned dates in Europe that have not taken place and it is true that the future right now is very uncertain for everyone, especially for the artists … Musicians nowadays are sustained by tours and concerts. It is evident that this situation affects us all a lot … For the moment I have decided to focus on positive things and take advantage of this time to continue creating. I think that despite the difficult situation, it is important to stay tuned in to an energy of light. In addition I also feel that my role as an artist right now is to give love and comfort through my music to those who are most in need than me.
What are you doing these days while there are orders to stay home in many countries?
The truth is that the hours of the day are not enough for me. I am studying, teaching online, creating new things (there are surprises that will come out there for those who follow me on social networks) reading, meditating and doing a lot of sports. I have a schedule that I make myself every day to maintain discipline and positive life hygiene.
You have worked with great Cuban musicians such as Roberto Fonseca and Omar Sosa. How did these projects come about?
I can’t help mentioning my beloved teacher Chucho [Valdés] among the projects because for me he is the father of all Cuban musicians! In the case of Omar Sosa I had the pleasure of playing at the same festival in France and, well, there was a mutual musical crush. After that, we made our album Aguas which has had a wonderful acceptance and with which we have been fortunate to tour the entire world.
I have also had the privilege of collaborating with Roberto Fonseca. He was kind enough to invite me for the tribute to Ibrahim Ferrer, 10 years after his passing. It was a beautiful moment, very emotional.
You live in Switzerland and the musicians you have collaborated with live in other countries. Do you work remotely via the internet or do you meet in person to record?
The preparation process we do online but then we get together to record. I like to feel the energy of the people I work with and technology helps but it has its limits… Nothing replaces human warmth!
You are a singer and a violinist. How do you decide which instrument to use?
I follow my heart and my intuition. In the end, what matters for me is not the instrument but that the message reaches people’s hearts.
In the current international scene there are a large number of Cuban pianists, but few violinists. Do you have plans to give the violin more relevance?
Well, yes. Note that some years ago when talking about Cuban music, you would never have thought of talking about a violinist. I am happy to be able to show another facet of the musical wealth of my country. And also to represent the talent of Cuban women that is very great.
Of the violins you play, is there a favorite one? Who makes it?
I have an Italian violin from the year 1824 which I love.
In what ways are you promoting your music?
Using all the possible means of communication, both the traditional ones and the social media that each day gain in importance for the promotion of artists. Right now I am launching on Instagram a new series in which I will be collaborating every Friday with musicians that I adore. I recommend you not to miss it! Some musicians are very well known, others are new talents, but they are all brilliant … I believe a lot in the power of the community and I want to build a larger community with which I can not only share my music but also my human values. Every day we are more! And I want to take the opportunity to thank you because with this interview you help promote my music in a very genuine way and with a lot of love.
If you could muster additional musicians or bands to collaborate, who would it be?
Let’s see I have a huge list of musicians with whom I want to collaborate. Of all the possible horizons … I’ll mention some of them: Sting, Esperanza Spalding, Juan Luis Guerra, Pablo Milanés, Preservation Hall Band, Angelique Kidjo, Stevie Wonder, Hiromi. Silvia Perez Cruz … the list is long [laughs out loud]
Do you give classes or workshops?
Yes, I am a violin teacher at the Jazz and Music School of Lausanne, Switzerland and I am also regularly invited to teach master classes in various parts of the world.
In addition to the Erzulie release, do you have any additional future projects to share with us?
Right now the news is Erzulie, but I keep creating things and as soon as I can reveal the new surprises then I will share them with you.
Official website: yiliancanizares.com
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Great story. Thanks